Punjab's rising gun violence sparks law and order concerns

Punjab is facing a sharp rise in gun violence, gang rivalries and targeted killings. The recent firing at a Punjab Roadways bus in Ferozepur has spread fear among the public as it has been more than three decades since such an incident happened during terrorism days in the state.

These incidents have affected civilians, politicians and even social gatherings like weddings. Concerns are growing about the state’s law and order situation under the AAP government.

In Ferozepur district, Naveen Arora, an RSS affiliate, was shot dead by bike-borne assailants. The militant group Sher-E-Punjab Brigade claimed responsibility. The killing triggered political outrage, with BJP leaders demanding governor’s rule, citing worsening security.

Another shocking case was reported in Ludhiana, where gang members opened fire during a wedding, killing two guests. The celebrations turned into chaos as people ran for cover.

BJP Punjab Working President strongly condemned the breakdown of law and order. He referred to the bus firing in Ferozepur on December 2, when three bike-borne attackers opened fire around 5 PM on a bus travelling from Ferozepur to Sri Ganganagar.

In his statement, the BJP leader said the incident was disturbing and reminded people of the bus attacks during the era of terrorism between 1980 and 1995. He added that whether it was road rage or reckless youth, the situation showed that law and order had collapsed. He demanded strict action, a high-level probe and urgent steps to restore public confidence.

Punjab Police reported 324 encounters since April 2022, in which 24 gangsters were neutralised. They claim to have busted 962 gangster modules. Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla said Pakistan-based agencies were trying to push weapons into Punjab to spread violence.

He said police had recovered more than 350 weapons, including AK-47s, RPGs, RDX, and other sophisticated arms. “Punjab being a border state faces unique challenges. Gangsters abroad send weapons to target police or specific individuals. Many youths agree to fire for a few thousand rupees, and some do it for fame,” Shukla added.

Former ADGP Law and Order, G S Dhillon, now heading the Ex-Servicemen cell of Punjab Congress, said the government had failed to control the situation. He called the bus attack worrying and said, “Any firing incident, even encounters, is a shootout for the public. The state government seems unable to handle the situation. Punjab Police can take on any challenge, but this crisis needs urgent attention.”